Licorice Root: Nutrition, Benefits and Risks

Licorice root is a traditional herbal remedy used for digestive discomfort, throat irritation, and other wellness purposes. Its effects can vary widely, and some forms may cause important side effects or interact with medicines, so it should be used with care.

Overview

Licorice root comes from the root of the Glycyrrhiza plant and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Today, it appears in teas, capsules, lozenges, syrups, and certain herbal blends, often for soothing the stomach or throat.

It is important to separate the plant from the candy. Black licorice flavoring may or may not contain meaningful amounts of licorice root extract, and different products can have very different levels of active compounds. That variability makes it hard to assume a product is gentle simply because it is labeled “herbal.”

For international patients researching natural remedies before or after treatment, licorice root is one of those supplements that deserves a careful, individualized look. A professional review of the product label, health history, and current medicines is the safest way to decide whether it belongs in a wellness routine.

Common Uses and Possible Benefits

Licorice root is most often discussed as a digestive and throat-soothing herb. Some people use it for symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, sore throat, or coughing, especially in traditional medicine systems. Its potential soothing effect is partly why it remains popular in herbal products sold worldwide.

One form, deglycyrrhizinated licorice, often called DGL, has had some use in products aimed at stomach comfort. Removing glycyrrhizin may reduce the risk of certain side effects, although the product is still not a substitute for diagnosing the cause of ongoing reflux, ulcer-like pain, or swallowing problems.

Research on licorice root for many other uses is mixed or limited. Claims about hormone balance, skin care, menopause support, or immune support should be approached cautiously unless a qualified clinician recommends a specific preparation for a specific reason.

Symptoms That May Lead People to Try It

People often reach for licorice root when they are trying to ease everyday discomfort rather than treat a defined disease. That may include a scratchy throat after travel, mild stomach upset after an unfamiliar meal, or reflux symptoms that flare during stress or long workdays.

These symptoms can also overlap with conditions that need medical evaluation. Persistent indigestion, black stools, severe abdominal pain, trouble swallowing, chest discomfort, or a cough that lingers should not be self-treated for long with herbs alone.

Because licorice products are sold in many forms, the way a person uses them can matter as much as the reason they started. Tea, lozenges, and capsules do not behave identically in the body, and combination products may contain additional herbs or sweeteners that change the effect.

Causes, Risk Factors, and Safety Concerns

The main safety issue with licorice root is glycyrrhizin, a natural compound that can affect hormones involved in salt and water balance. In some people, especially with repeated or high intake, this can contribute to higher blood pressure, fluid retention, headache, weakness, or low potassium.

Risk is higher for people who already have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or a history of electrolyte problems. It can also be more concerning during pregnancy, and in anyone taking medicines that already influence blood pressure, potassium, or heart rhythm.

Interactions are another reason to be careful. Licorice root may not be a good idea alongside certain diuretics, corticosteroids, blood pressure medicines, digoxin, or some laxatives. Since supplements vary by brand and strength, two products with the same name may not carry the same level of risk.

• Higher intake over time can be more problematic than occasional use.
• Whole root products differ from DGL preparations.
• Multiple medications can increase the chance of an interaction.
• Underlying health conditions may make side effects more likely.

Diagnosis and When a Clinician Review Is Helpful

Licorice root itself is not diagnosed in the way an illness is, but its effects can be reviewed by a doctor, pharmacist, or qualified herbal medicine specialist. That review usually starts with the exact product, how often it is used, and whether symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, muscle weakness, or headaches have appeared.

If a person is using licorice root for a digestive complaint, a clinician may also want to understand the pattern of symptoms, diet, travel history, stress level, and any alarm signs. This helps determine whether the discomfort is likely minor and temporary or whether it points to reflux disease, an ulcer, gallbladder disease, medication side effects, or another condition.

For patients preparing to travel for care, it can be useful to bring product labels or photos of supplements to the appointment. This makes it easier for the care team to check ingredients, avoid duplication, and advise whether to stop the herb before a procedure or during recovery.

Treatment Options and Safer Alternatives

There is no single treatment for “licorice root use,” because the issue is usually whether the product is appropriate and safe. If a person has already developed side effects, the first step is often to stop the product and seek medical advice, especially if blood pressure changes, weakness, or swelling are present.

When the goal is digestive comfort, clinicians may suggest safer, better-studied options depending on the cause. These may include dietary adjustments, reflux management, antacids, acid-suppressing medicines, or evaluation for H. pylori if ulcer symptoms are suspected. For throat irritation, hydration, voice rest, and treating the underlying infection or reflux are usually more reliable than long-term self-treatment with herbs.

Not every natural product is automatically safer than a prescription medicine. The best option is the one that matches the diagnosis, fits the person’s medical background, and can be followed consistently, especially when care continues across borders and follow-up may happen at a distance.

Prevention and Self-care

Using licorice root more safely begins with reading the label closely. Patients should look for the exact type of product, whether it contains DGL or glycyrrhizin, and whether other herbal ingredients are included. It also helps to avoid using several supplement products with overlapping ingredients at the same time.

Anyone with blood pressure concerns, kidney disease, pregnancy, or a history of heart rhythm problems should ask a clinician before taking it. The same advice applies if regular medicines are already part of the daily routine, because interactions are often more important than the herb itself.

Simple self-care habits can also reduce the urge to rely on herbal remedies alone. Smaller meals, less late-night eating, adequate hydration, and identifying trigger foods may help reflux or throat irritation. If symptoms persist, a medical assessment is the safer next step.

For people receiving treatment in another country, keeping a current medication and supplement list in one place can make consultations smoother and reduce the chance of an avoidable interaction. If needed, Acibadem Health Point’s multidisciplinary specialists and JCI-accredited hospitals diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions for international patients, with careful attention to medication review and follow-up planning.

When to See a Doctor

Medical advice is important if a person using licorice root develops headache, swelling, muscle weakness, palpitations, or a noticeable change in blood pressure. These can be signs that the herb is affecting fluid and electrolyte balance.

It is also wise to seek evaluation if the original symptom is not improving, keeps returning, or is accompanied by weight loss, vomiting, black stools, trouble swallowing, fever, or chest pain. Those symptoms may point to a condition that should not be managed with supplements alone.

Even when symptoms are mild, a clinician can help decide whether licorice root is worth continuing, whether a DGL product is more appropriate, or whether a different treatment would be safer. That kind of guidance is especially helpful when a patient is juggling multiple prescriptions, travel schedules, and recovery plans.

Frequently asked questions

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor about your individual situation.